Your Dog and Hip Dysplasia: What Can You Do?

By: Billy Baker Posted on: 2008-09-22 Downloads: 51 ** Print Article ** ** Copy Article ** Please Rate this Article 5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5  Not yet Rated

Article Summary: Is your dog having problems with hip dysplasia or what seems to be rheumatoid issues? This article could help. Read on to discover what you can do to improve the health of your dog.

You may well be assuming that Spot is just getting old when you see him getting a bit stiff and possibly limping. However, if your Spot is a large to giant sized dog breed he may well be suffering from hip dysplasia or dog arthritis.

What is canine hip dysplasia?

The area affected is in and around the dog's hips and it's called Hip Dysplasia. In a nutshell, sometimes the hips are not shaped properly which can leave the dog prone to hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia in dogs can occur in puppies from as young as 5 months, but the ensuing arthritis in the hips generally doesn't strike Spot until he is middle aged.

Dog breeds susceptible to hip dysplasia.

Some breeds of dogs are well known for being genetically susceptible to hip dysplasia. Mixed breed dogs can also suffer from hip dysplasia. Good breeding practices has seen a decline in hip dysplasia numbers, but these dogs still have a higher than average chance of having dysplasia:
* Rottweilers.
* Golden retrievers and Labradors.
* German shepherds.
* Great Danes.
* Mastiffs.
* Saint Bernards.
* Dobermans.

Hip arthritis can also be found in and medium sized dogs as well.

Signs of hip dysplasia include:

* early morning stiffness.
* personality or behavioral changes.
* awkwardness or clumsy steps.
* unable to exercise as much as before.
* disinterest in fetching.
* problems getting up from lying down or sitting.
* limping, favoring one or both back legs, or stiff or unusual gait.
* opting to sleep away from others.
* pain when back leg is extended.
* discomfort or sensitivity when lower back or back legs are prodded.
* can't or won't jump into the car anymore.

Hip dysplasia treatments.

There are many treatments, dog medicines, dog supplements and aids for Fido to assist with all stages of dog arthritis. One of the most popular options is glucosamine, which has been incredibly successful in aiding humans with osteoarthritis. Dog supplements containing glucosamine chondroitin have become one of the first treatment options. Don't underestimate a good night's sleep and other orthopedic aids as handy comfort providers such as special dog beds and ramps etc. For further information on glucosamine, treatments and aids click here.

Weight Management.

The most prominent element to affect or enhance hip dysplasia is the dog's weight. The more your dog weighs, the more strain is being placed on those hips. Keeping your dog in his healthy weight range could save him from immense pain and suffering down the track.

For further information on treatments and resources for the dog suffering from hip dysplasia click here.

Article Source: http://www.upublish.info

About the Author:
Billy Baker
Published here by Billy Baker who has years of expertise with many breeds of dogs. He has supplied more information on what you can do about improving Dog Health and Hip Dysplasia In Dogs .